mueller



P. MUELLEF 21,790,316.

CHINA sPoUT l Filed Nov. 20, 192e gzigslrhaxslsnaerl Jan'.

Patented Jan. 27, 1931 UNITED-STATES PATENT oFFlcE PHILIP MUELLER, OF DECATUV'R, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMIllfTS,` TOV MUELLER CO., 0F DECATUR, ILLINOIS, CORPORTIONOF ILLINOIS CHINA sPoUr '.Appncaaoii inea november 2o, 192e.A serial no. '149,740.-

The present inventionrelates to fiuid supply fixtures, such as spouts, faucets and other lavatory fixtures or accessories, which are made from china or ceramic material, and has to do more particularly ywith an improved connection, whereby such fittings may be conveniently connected with Water pipes or the like. Y

As is Well known, spouts of ceramiematerial are liable to crack or fracture, and it is not practicable to thread or similarly form the same for direct connecti'onivith the Water supply pipe. Moreover, it isdesirable to avoid direct contact between the ceramic material Vand the metal connections', since the tivo materials are variably expansible, and, moreover, the unyielding character of the connections renders the same liable to fracture the spout Vwhen tightened.

An object of the invention is toiprovide a connection which Will enable the ceramic spout to be fixedlypositioned Without danger of breakage, and Which will also permit final positioning of the spout after the connections are tightened, to properly direct thesame with reference to the tub or basin to Which it delivers. It is often necessary to give the spout a. final movement after the connections are tightened, and it is desirable to accomplish this Without loosening the latter. The present invention has as an object, the provision of a connection Which Will permit this adjustment. y Y y A further object of the invention is. to provide'a connection in which there is no direct contact between the metallic parts of the connection and the spout or other-ceramic filling.

Other objects of the invention relate to .sil'nplicity of co struction, convenience in assembly, and facility of operation, Vand will become apparent as the description procceds. e

The invention comprises broadly,'a spout construction'having a bore adapted to receive and hold against rotation, a. Hexible gasket or other element which is relatively soft or yielding as compared to metal. Preferably, the gasket is also held against movement longitudinally of the spout; Within the bore is positioned a metallic sleeve, Which'would be freely rota-table, and otherwise movable in the spout, except for the gasket Which engages the sleeve, as by receiving the latter in an aperture formed therein. The sleeve snugly fits into the gasket, and thereby is held against independent rotation, and also itV is preferred, although not necessary, against movement longitudinally of the spout.

The sleeve is threaded or formed in any equivalent manner for engagement With the supply pipe, and being held fixed in the spout by means-of the gasket, it may be rotated by turning the spout, and thereby tightened upon the supply pipe. Rotation of the spout about the supply pipe imparts corresponding rotation to the sleeve, and the latter, when the spout reaches a fixed abutment such as ya` Wall, presses the gasket against a Wall ofthe spout, thereby locking the latter in position. Y Preferably, the engagement'betiveen the spout and gasket is africtional one, so that the final adjustment of the spout to direct the saine properly toward the basin, tub, or other fixture, with which it is used, may' be accomplished Without releasing theI connection. These, and other features of the invention Will become clearer as the description proceeds in connection with a preferred form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure l is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of a ceramic spout connected With a supply pipe by my improved connection. Y i 'A Figure 2 is a similar View, showing the parts` Within tbe spout assembled preliminary tothe positioning of the 'spout upon the supply pipe.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal vertical sec tional view showing a somewhat modified construction. f

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, showing a further modification..

'Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view ofthe sleeve employed in Figures 1 to 4.

Figure 6 is a transverse sectional View on the line 6- 6 of Figure 5,

C) .rss

`the-chamber may he curved as at 13 trom t Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view ot a modified form of sleeve.

Figure S is a transverse section on the line S-S oit Figure 7.

.Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view ot another form of sleeve.

Figure 10 isa transverse section on the line 10-10 of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view ot still another monitication.

Figure 1Q is a transverse section on'the line 1.2-12 of Figure 11.

Referring to the drawings for a more detailed description, 10 indicates aeeramic lit-- ting. in the present instance illustrated as a spout intended for use .with a tub or basin, the' spout having an elongated here 1.1 enlarged -at the rear end of the spout into a chamber 12. The here ot the spout around he smaller here 11, to form a seat 14 adapted `to eceive tightly a flexible gasket 15 Jtermed 'from `non-metallic material, which is sott as compared with metal, in order to avoid traeture ot the spout.

The rear Wall 16 ot the spout formed with an aperture 1T through which the gasket 1L.'- may he inserted hy flexing the same, and, as will he understood, When it enters the chamber 12. it immediately eX- pands into itsseat 14. The gasket islet sutilcient size to lit very snugly in its seat. as illustrated in Figure and due totais close tit, ivil1 he held trietionally against .tree rotation` although it desirable, interengaging means may loe formed on the interior et the spout to elleeta more positive engagement xvii-h the gasket.

Betere the gasket is inserted, a metallic sleeve 18 is placed in the chamber 12 through the rear aperture 17 .the sleeve heing threaded internally1 as at 19 to tit upon the threaded end of a supply pipe S projecting through an opening 21 in the. wall lV which may he parto'f a fixture such as a tuh or sink, or the permanent vcall of a building to which spouts are not infrequently attached in the more modern installations.

After holh the sleeve and the gasket have heen `intrm'luced into the spout oi the chamher lthe sleeve may he drawn into the eentral aperture ot the gasket, the aperture bei ng so tormed as to provide a relatively snug lil 'For the sleeve, lherehy holding the latter against rotative movement relative to the spout. Also, due to the fixed position ot the gasket rand the close lit of the sleeve therein, lhe latter is held against longitudinal movement. lilith the parts thus assembled in the, spout.` as illustrated in Figure 2. Lhe latter may oe positiened ngen the supply pipe S. By rotating the spout, lthe sleeve 19 will he threaded yupon the supply pipe, it heing herne in mind that the spout is Aconnected with the sleeve through the tiere-diy positioned gasket 15. As the sleeve is adjusted on the spout, its flange 28, which constitutes a peripheral means abutting a iace ot the gasket, will force the latter against the rear Wall 16 of the spout and thereby move the spout to position. When the rear end of the spout reaches the Wall W, subsequent turningot the spout will cause the sleeve to press the gasket against the Wall 16 (Figure 1) thus gripping the latter between the sleeve land wall WV, and holding the spout in position.

Should it be found, after suliicient tightening-ot the eonnectionpthat the discharge end ot the spout is not accurately directed with respect tothe tuh or other lirzture to which it delivers, the same may be `turned readily by Aapplication of a moderate .amount ot' torce to overcome the 'lrietional resistancehetWeen the vrall ot the spout and the gasket. As

illustrated vin Figures 5 and the flange oi the sleeve ywhich 'forces the gasket against the rear wall ol the spout. is formed with means. suoli as tace :orrugations 24. to effect a positive engagement between the sleeve and the gasket, and thereby prevent slippage he- 'tvfeen the gasket and sleeve as the spout is revolved upon the supply pipe to tighten the connection.

Figures TV to 12 illustrate various other loi-ms ot sleeves which may he used instead ot the sleeve 18.

For instance, in the form illustrated in Figures 7 and S, the `sleeve 25 has toi-med on its periphery, corrugationstl which, with 'the corrngations QT on the 'iiange 28. assist in preventing slippage between the sleeve and gasket.

ln Figures l) and 10, the sleeve 2l) has a lange BO, hut the same not 'termed with means For interlocking with the gasket, such means l-)eiug providedupon the portion o1 the sleeve adapted to lit Within the gasket, as lillustrated hy the reference'eliarzufter ill.

Referring to Figures 1.1 and 12. the sleeve 32 formed with ar plurality ot longitudinally extending rihs or keys 33, adapted to interlit with the key-ways which are 'formed upon the gasket ill.

ln Figure 2l, there is illustrated a sli ll'hl'ly modified ltorni ot connection. utilising lthe sleeve illustrated in Figures' and "lhis connection includes the same elements illimi'rated in Figures 1 and 2, and which ar l indica'led hy corres)ionfling reference characters. Additionally, however. the rfar wall 1t o'tthe spout is conatar-sunk to provide a seat 23.3 receiv'ug a` second gasket 236. This gasket-as will. he observed. is introducial laetween the yend ot' the sleeve '1S and the ivall W'. lft is also interposed between the will 16 ot' the spout andthe Wall 7W. a; d is prefrahly engaged hy hot-h the sleeve 1S and the spout; This gasket closely tits around the supply pipe 21, and assists 'in vpreventing Sii lul."

ierent form is provided in the rear Wall ofV the spout. The rear Wall 16 is bevelled i i c e ab r" e ane a fra-ret au. toivirl th 1e tur 17, l g sl 4^ "o, tapering toward its periphery and contorniing to the shape` of the seat, is interposed between the spout and Wall, and, also, preferably, betiveen'the rear end of the sleeve 18 and the Wall. This gasket closely surrounds the supply pipe 21, and it may be clamped in position by the spout alone', or, as illustrated, by both the spout and the end of the connection sleeve 18. `As Will be obvious, the advantages set forth With respect to the torni et the invention illustrated in Figures l and 2, are equally obtainable by the forms shown in Figures 3 and ,and it Will further be understood that With any ot' these forms, the types of connection sleeves illustrated in Figures 7 to 12 inclusive, may be used instead of the specilic type of Figures 5 and 6, Which is shoivn as included in the assembled connections illustrated in all these vieivs.

As Was generally stated in the preliminary part ot this specification, it will be observed that the invention avoids any direct contact between the metallic parts' of the connection, and the ceramic fitting. Moreover, it is not necessary to form thel fitting With threads,

key-Ways, sockets, oi' projections of any character to interlock With arigid metallic part. The engagement between the gasket and spout will be found snilicient to transmit rotation of the spout to the sleeve, and to prevent relative rotation of the gasket and spout when the sleeve is being threaded upon the supply pipe. The frictienal engagement between the gasket and the spout Within its seat is particularly advantageous, and by ii'ictioiial engagement is meant any suitable engagement which Will permit slippage Without mutilation of either pai't, since it permits the final adjustment of the spout, after theV parts of the connection are tightened in order to direct t-he spout properly with reference to the tub, basin, or other lixtui'e in association With which it isset up.

It will be understood, of conrse,'that the invention is not limited to the precise structural details illustrated and described, and where such terms as spout, gasket, pipe and sleeve7 are employed, to designate conventionally constructed part-s, they are to be interpreted as covering any equivalent n'ieaus accomplishing the. desired result. For iiistance, the invention is useful With any ceraniic lWater supply fitting or lavatory attachment, such as spray heads, faucets, and the like. i

'sleeve being fitted into nected only through the latter with said fI claim:` Y Y Vl. Iii-combination with a pipe, a ceramic spout, a metallic sleeve' in said spout,

threaded for connection with the' supply pipe, a gasket rotatable With said spout and engaged With said sleeve to hold the latter against rotative movement in the spout, said sleeve being adjustable on the pipe through rotation of the gasket by the spout and the sleeve serving to press'thegasket against a 'ivall of the spout When adjusted on the'pipe.

"2. In'combination with a pipe, aceramic spont,a metallic sleeve in said spout threaded for connection With the pipe, a gasket rotat- -able With saidspout and having an aperture into Which the sleeve snugly lits, said sleeve being held against rotation in the spout by :said gasket Yandbeing adjustable on the pipe through rotation of the gasket by the spout, said sleeve serving to compress the gasket against a Wall'ofrthe spout as the sleeve is adjusted on said pipe. 4 u 'l In combination With a'pipe, a ceramic spout, a metallic sleeve in said spout, threaded for connection' With the pipe, a conipressible gasket vheld frictionally in said spout against free 'rotation relative thereto and engaged with said sleeve to'hold the latter against .rotative movement in the spout, said sleeve being adjustable on the pipe through rotation of the gasket by the spout and serving to press the `gasket against Va wall of the spout When adjustedon the pipe.

4. In combination With a pipe, a ceramic spout, a gasket in said spout, the spout;V

around said gasket closely fitting the latter Vand thereby holding the gasket against free;

rotation, a metallic sleeve Vin said spout threaded for connection with the pipe, 'said said gasket` and conspout to be rotatedthereby upon the pipe. l 5. In combination With a pipe, a ceramic spout, a gasket in said spout, the spout around said gasket closely vfitting the latter and thereby holding it against free rotation, a metallic sleeve in said spout, threaded for connection'ivith the fitted into said gasket and connected only through the latter with said spoutto be iovtated thereby upon the pipe, the sleeve having peripherally arranged means engaging said gasket for effecting an interlocking engagement of the sleeve With said gasket.

6, In combination With a. pipe, a ceramick spout, a gasket in said spout rotatable there with, a metallic sleeve in said spout, threaded for connection with the pipe, said sleeve being fitted into said gasket and connected only through the latter With said spout to be rotated thereby upon the pipe or the like, the sleeve having a flange'adapted to abut a face of said gasket and to force the same longitudinally against a Wall ofthespoutas the sleeve is adjusted upon said pipe,'and the pipe, said sleeve being.

L medals fiange having thereon means interlocking with the gasket.

7. in combination with a pipe, extending through a Wall, a eeramie spout, a metallic sleeve in said spout, threaded for connection with the pipe, a gasket rotatable With said spout and engaged with said sleeve to hold the latte-r against rotative movement in the spout, said sleeve being adjustable on the pipe throughrotation of the gasket by the spout and the sleeve serving to press the ',asket against a Wall Yof the spout when adjusted on the pipe and gasket means around .the pipe between the rear end of said sleeve and said Wall through which the pipe projects.

S. The `combination with a pipe, a ceramic spout. a metallic member adjustable upon said pipe and being entirel)7 free of Contact with said ceramic spout at all times, and Vvielding' means forming' the sole Connection between said member and Ceramic spout` and supporting said spout entirely free oft Contact with said pipe and member whereby rotation of the spout will rotate said member b v said yielding means and move said `member and spout longitudinally of said pipe.

9. The vCombination with a cond-uit, a ceramic spout. and yieldable means 'forming the sole support of said spout upon said eonduit for maintaining said spout spaced from and out ot Contact Wit-h said conduit.

l0. A ceramic `spout havin-g a bore, a threaded sleeve, and pliable Vmeans supporting; said sleeve in said bore free from Contact with sai d spout at all times.

11. A ceramic lspout having' a bore pro- `vided with -a shoulder, a yieldable gasket larger than the bore having),` an open-ing, a sleeve snugly fitting in said opening yan d held 'thereby in spaced relation to said spout, and said sleeve l-iaviiu-gf a 'fiange adapted to abut said gasket and more it into engagement eviti-i id shoulder.

In test/nnen;Y whereof I have hereunto set my hau-d.

PHILIP lYIUELLE-n. 

